Network-capable docking station

ABSTRACT

A method performed by a docking station operable in a plurality of modes is disclosed. The method may include obtaining first data via a first interface of the docking station and second data via a second interface of the docking station, responsive to operating in a first mode of the plurality of modes. The first interface may be configured to couple the docking station to a computing device, and the second interface may be configured to communicate with a network. The method may also include obtaining third data via the second interface of the docking station, in lieu of the first interface, responsive to operating in a second mode of the plurality of modes. The method may further include selectively outputting the first data and the second data, or the third data, to a display based on whether the docking station operates in the first mode or the second mode.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present implementations relate generally to docking stations, andspecifically to a docking station configured to communicate with anetwork and to support various applications.

BACKGROUND OF RELATED ART

A docking station provides a simplified interface for coupling, orotherwise enabling, a computing device (such as a laptop) to communicatewith various peripherals (e.g., monitors, a keyboard, mouse, and webcam)or other devices. However, existing docking stations have limitedfunctionality when not connected to an external computing device. Forexample, to allow users to reserve a docking station in a public orcommunal space, the users would need to employ an existing hotelingapplication which may require non-standard, specialized hardware to beplaced near the docking station. As another example, to run diagnosticson such a docking station, a site administrator (or informationtechnology (IT) professional) would need to couple a computing device(such as a laptop) to the docking station.

SUMMARY

This Summary is provided to introduce in a simplified form a selectionof concepts that are further described below in the DetailedDescription. This Summary is not intended to identify key features oressential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended tolimit the scope of the claimed subject matter.

A method performed by a docking station operable in a plurality of modesis disclosed. The method may include obtaining first data via a firstinterface of the docking station and second data via a second interfaceof the docking station, responsive to operating in a first mode of theplurality of modes. The first interface may be configured to couple thedocking station to a computing device, and the second interface may beconfigured to communicate with a network. The method may also includeobtaining third data via the second interface of the docking station, inlieu of the first interface, responsive to operating in a second mode ofthe plurality of modes. The method may further include selectivelyoutputting the first data and the second data, or the third data, to adisplay based on whether the docking station operates in the first modeor the second mode.

A controller for a docking station operable in a plurality of modes isdisclosed. The controller may comprise a processing system and a memory.The memory may store instructions that, when executed by the processingsystem, cause the controller to obtain first data via a first interfaceof the docking station and second data via a second interface of thedocking station, responsive to operating in a first mode of theplurality of modes. The first interface may be configured to couple thedocking station to a computing device, and the second interface may beconfigured to communicate with a network. The instructions, whenexecuted by the processing system, may further cause the controller toobtain third data via the second interface of the docking station, inlieu of the first interface, responsive to operating in a second mode ofthe plurality of modes. The instructions, when executed by theprocessing system, may further cause the controller to selectivelyoutput the first data and the second data, or the third data, to adisplay based on whether the docking station operates in the first modeor the second mode.

A system is disclosed. The system may comprise a display and a dockingstation coupled to the display. The docking station may be operable in aplurality of modes, and be configured to obtain first data via a firstinterface of the docking station and second data via a second interfaceof the docking station, responsive to operating in a first mode of theplurality of modes. The first interface may be configured to couple thedocking station to a computing device, and the second interface may beconfigured to communicate with a network. The docking station may alsobe configured to obtain third data via the second interface of thedocking station, in lieu of the first interface, responsive to operatingin a second mode of the plurality of modes. The docking station may befurther configured to selectively output the first data and the seconddata, or the third data, to the display based on whether the dockingstation operates in the first mode or the second mode.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present embodiments are illustrated by way of example and are notintended to be limited by the figures of the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1A shows a block diagram depicting an example configuration of adocking station, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 1B shows a block diagram depicting an example configuration of adocking station, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 1C shows a block diagram depicting an example configuration of adocking station, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 2 shows a block diagram of a docking system, in accordance withsome embodiments.

FIG. 3 shows an illustrative flowchart depicting an example methodperformed by a docking station, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 4A shows an example application of a docking station operating in asecond mode, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 4B shows an example application of a docking station operating in asecond mode, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 4C shows an example application of a docking station operating in athird mode, in accordance with some embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description, numerous specific details are set forthsuch as examples of specific components, circuits, and processes toprovide a thorough understanding of the present disclosure. The term“coupled” as used herein means connected directly to or connectedthrough one or more intervening components or circuits. The terms“electronic system” and “electronic device” may be used interchangeablyto refer to any system capable of electronically processing information.The terms “first,” “second,” “third,” “fourth,” etc., as used herein,are not intended to indicate any sequence, amount or importance, butrather to distinguish various components or configurations. The phrase“in lieu of,” as used herein, means “as an alternative to,” “ratherthan,” or “instead of,” and is not intended to indicate any sequence ororder. Also, in the following description and for purposes ofexplanation, specific nomenclature is set forth to provide a thoroughunderstanding of the aspects of the disclosure. However, it will beapparent to one skilled in the art that these specific details may notbe required to practice the example embodiments. In other instances,well-known circuits and devices are shown in block diagram form to avoidobscuring the present disclosure. Some portions of the detaileddescriptions which follow are presented in terms of procedures, logicblocks, processing and other symbolic representations of operations ondata bits within a computer memory.

These descriptions and representations are the means used by thoseskilled in the data processing arts to most effectively convey thesubstance of their work to others skilled in the art. In the presentdisclosure, a procedure, logic block, process, or the like, is conceivedto be a self-consistent sequence of steps or instructions leading to adesired result. The steps are those requiring physical manipulations ofphysical quantities. Usually, although not necessarily, these quantitiestake the form of electrical or magnetic signals capable of being stored,transferred, combined, compared, and otherwise manipulated in a computersystem. It should be borne in mind, however, that all of these andsimilar terms are to be associated with the appropriate physicalquantities and are merely convenient labels applied to these quantities.

Unless specifically stated otherwise as apparent from the followingdiscussions, it is appreciated that throughout the present application,discussions utilizing the terms such as “accessing,” “receiving,”“sending,” “using,” “selecting,” “determining,” “normalizing,”“multiplying,” “averaging,” “monitoring,” “comparing,” “applying,”“updating,” “measuring,” “deriving” or the like, refer to the actionsand processes of a computer system, or similar electronic computingdevice, that manipulates and transforms data represented as physical(electronic) quantities within the computer system's registers andmemories into other data similarly represented as physical quantitieswithin the computer system memories or registers or other suchinformation storage, transmission or display devices.

In the figures, a single block may be described as performing a functionor functions; however, in actual practice, the function or functionsperformed by that block may be performed in a single component or acrossmultiple components, and/or may be performed using hardware, usingsoftware, or using a combination of hardware and software. To clearlyillustrate this interchangeability of hardware and software, variousillustrative components, blocks, modules, circuits, and steps have beendescribed below generally in terms of their functionality. Whether suchfunctionality is implemented as hardware or software depends upon theparticular application and design constraints imposed on the overallsystem. Skilled artisans may implement the described functionality invarying ways for each particular application, but such implementationdecisions should not be interpreted as causing a departure from thescope of the present invention. Also, the example input devices mayinclude components other than those shown, including well-knowncomponents such as a processor, memory and the like.

The techniques described herein may be implemented in hardware,software, firmware, or any combination thereof, unless specificallydescribed as being implemented in a specific manner. Any featuresdescribed as modules or components may also be implemented together inan integrated logic device or separately as discrete but interoperablelogic devices. If implemented in software, the techniques may berealized at least in part by a non-transitory processor-readable storagemedium including instructions that, when executed, perform one or moreof the methods described above. The non-transitory processor-readabledata storage medium may form part of a computer program product, whichmay include packaging materials.

The non-transitory processor-readable storage medium may comprise randomaccess memory (RAM) such as synchronous dynamic random-access memory(SDRAM), read only memory (ROM), non-volatile random access memory(NVRAM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM),FLASH memory, other known storage media, and the like. The techniquesadditionally, or alternatively, may be realized at least in part by aprocessor-readable communication medium that carries or communicatescode in the form of instructions or data structures and that can beaccessed, read, and/or executed by a computer or other processor.

The various illustrative logical blocks, modules, circuits andinstructions described in connection with the embodiments disclosedherein may be executed by one or more processors (or a processingsystem). The term “processor,” as used herein may refer to anygeneral-purpose processor, special-purpose processor, conventionalprocessor, controller, microcontroller, and/or state machine capable ofexecuting scripts or instructions of one or more software programsstored in memory.

Aspects of the disclosure relate to a docking station that is capable ofcommunicating with a network. In some embodiments, the docking stationmay be operable in multiple modes (e.g., configurations), such as afirst mode and a second mode. When operating in the first mode, thedocking station may obtain data via a docking interface. The dockinginterface may be configured to couple the docking station to an externalcomputing device such as a laptop, notebook, or tablet. When operatingin the second mode, the docking station may obtain data via a networkinterface, instead of the docking interface. The network interface maybe configured to communicate with a network such as a local area network(LAN), wide area network (WAN), the Internet, or a cloud network.Further, the docking station may output the data obtained via thedocking interface or the network interface to a display, depending onwhether the docking station operates in the first mode or the secondmode.

By enabling docking stations to communicate with a network (such as whenoperating in the second mode), aspects of the present disclosure maysupport new features and applications for docking stations even when noexternal computing devices are coupled thereto. Example suitableapplications may include hoteling applications, which are used to manageworkspaces (e.g., desks, cubicles, and conference rooms), and/orequipment in the workspaces (e.g., a docking station connected to anetwork, monitor, keyboard, and mouse). For example, in a hotelingapplication, a docking station located in an office may (i) receive, viaa network, a message indicating that the docking station is reserved fora particular user, and (ii) output the message to a display device. Thedocking station also may be configured to communicate with a manager oroperator of the network, for example, to provide the network managerwith information indicating (i) the operational health of the dockingstation, (ii) the operational health of one or more devices coupled tothe docking station, and/or (iii) the environment near the dockingstation (e.g., the temperature or humidity of the office in which thedocking station is located).

FIG. 1A shows a block diagram depicting an example configuration 100A ofa docking station 102, in accordance with some embodiments. Morespecifically, FIG. 1A shows the docking station 102 in communicationwith a computing device 108 and a display device 110.

In some embodiments, the display device 110 may be a computer monitor,liquid crystal display (LCD), plasma display, cathode ray tube (CRT)display, light emitting diode (LED) display, organic light emittingdiode (OLED) display, or any other type of display or visual interfaceconfigured to interface with the docking station 102. Further, thedisplay device 110 may be configured to communicate with and/or receivepower from the docking station 102.

In some aspects, the docking station 102 may include a docking interface104 configured to dock (e.g., charge, provide power to, and/orcommunicate) with one or more electronic devices; and a networkinterface 106 configured to communicate with a network (not shown inFIG. 1A). The docking interface 104 may be configured to receive orotherwise couple to the computing device 108. In some embodiments, thedocking interface 104 may communicate with the computing device 108 viaa wired connection (such as USB-C or DisplayPort). In some otherembodiments, the docking interface 104 may communicate with thecomputing device 108 via a wireless communication medium (such as inaccordance with Wi-Fi, WiGig, Bluetooth, or various other wirelesscommunication standards). In some embodiments, the computing device 108may be a laptop, notebook, tablet, or other computing device configuredto interface with the docking station 102. Further, the computing device108 may be configured to communicate with and/or receive power from thedocking station 102.

The network interface 106 may be configured to communicate with anetwork. In some embodiments, the network interface 106 may communicatewith a network via a wired connection (such as Ethernet). In some otherembodiments, the network interface 106 may communicate with the networkvia a wireless communication medium (such as in accordance with Wi-Fi orother wireless communication standards). While only two interfaces areshown in FIG. 1A for simplicity, the docking station 102 also includesan interface to receive or otherwise couple to the display device 110.Further, in some embodiments, the docking station 102 may includeadditional interfaces to receive or otherwise couple to other computingdevices and/or peripherals.

As shown in FIG. 1A, when the docking station 102 operates in a firstmode, the docking station 102 may obtain data 112 from the computingdevice 108 via the docking interface 104, and output the data 112 to thedisplay device 110. For example, the data 112 may include text data,image data, and/or video data. In some embodiments, when operating inthe first mode, the docking station 102 may output the data 112 to oneor more display devices 110, and/or one or more peripherals (e.g., akeyboard, mouse, and/or webcam). Further, in some embodiments, whenoperating in the first mode, the docking station 102 may not output thedata 112 to any display devices 110 and/or peripherals. In someembodiments, when operating in the first mode, the docking station 102may transmit data from one or more display devices 110 and/or one ormore peripherals to the computing device 108.

FIG. 1B shows a block diagram depicting an example configuration 100B ofthe docking station 102, in accordance with some embodiments. Morespecifically, FIG. 1B shows the docking station 102 in communicationwith a network 116 and the display device 110.

The network 116 may include a LAN, WAN, the Internet, a cloud network,private enterprise network, or other network suitable for interfacingwith the docking station 102. In some embodiments, the network 116 maycommunicate with the docking station 102 via a wired connection (such asEthernet). In some other embodiments, the network 116 may communicatewith the docking station 102 via a wireless communication medium (suchas in accordance with Wi-Fi or various other wireless communicationstandards).

As shown in FIG. 1B, when the docking station 102 operates in a secondmode, the docking station 102 may obtain data 114 from the network 116via the network interface 106, and output the data 114 to the displaydevice 110. For example, the data 114 may include text data (e.g., ASCIItext), image data (e.g., bitmap data), and/or video data. As anotherexample, in some embodiments, the data 114 may include image datarepresenting a logo and/or two-dimensional barcode (such as QuickResponse (QR) code). In some embodiments, when operating in the secondmode, the docking station 102 may output the data 114 to one or moredisplay devices 110 and/or one or more peripherals. Further, in someembodiments, when operating in the second mode, the docking station 102may not output the data 114 to any display devices 110 and/orperipherals. In some embodiments, when operating in the second mode, thedocking station 102 may transmit data from one or more display devices110 and/or one or more peripherals to the network 116.

FIG. 1C shows a block diagram depicting an example configuration 100C ofthe docking station 102, in accordance with some embodiments. Morespecifically, FIG. 1C shows that, when operating in a third mode, thedocking station 102 may receive data 117 and 118 from the computingdevice 108 and network 116, respectively, and output the data 117 and118 to the display device 110. For example, the data 117 and/or 118 mayinclude text data, image data, and/or video data. In some embodiments,when operating in the third mode, the docking station 102 may output thedata 117 and/or 118 to one or more display devices 110, and/or one ormore peripherals. For example, when operating in the third mode, thedata 117 and 118 may be output to the display device 110 for display,where one of the data 117 or 118 is output as On-Screen Display (OSD)data that is overlayed on the other one. Further, in some embodiments,when operating in the third mode, the docking station 102 may not outputthe data 117 and/or 118 to any display devices 110 and/or peripherals.In some embodiments, when operating in the third mode, the dockingstation 102 may transmit data from one or more display devices 110and/or one or more peripherals to the network 116 and/or the computingdevice 108. Further, in some embodiments, when operating in the thirdmode, the docking station 102 may transmit data from the computingdevice 108 to the network 116.

FIG. 2 shows a block diagram of a docking system 200 (also referred toas a “controller 200”), in accordance with some embodiments. The dockingsystem 200 includes a network interface 220, a device interface 230, aprocessor 240, and a memory 250. For purposes of discussion herein, theprocessor 240 is shown in FIG. 2 as being coupled to the networkinterface 220, device interface 230, and memory 250. For actualembodiments, the network interface 220, device interface 230, processor240, and/or memory 250 may be connected together using one or more buses(not shown for simplicity). It is noted that, in some embodiments, thedocking system 200 may be an application specific integrated circuit(ASIC) (e.g., a microcontroller unit (MCU)) or other integrated circuit(IC) disposed on the docking station 102 described with reference toFIGS. 1A-1C. Moreover, in some embodiments, the docking system 200 maybe a thin client.

The network interface 220 may transmit and receive signals to and from anetwork such as a LAN, WAN, the Internet, a cloud network, privateenterprise network, or other network. In some aspects, the networkinterface 220 may be assigned a media access control (MAC) address tocommunicate with the network. The device interface 230 may transmit andreceive signals to and from devices coupled to the docking system 200.In some embodiments, the device interface 230 may include displayinterface(s) 232, computing device interface(s) 234, peripheralinterface(s) 236, and/or sensor interface(s) 238. The display interface232 may be used to communicate with a display device and/or to provide avisual interface to a user of the docking system 200. The computingdevice interface 234 may be used to communicate with a computing devicesuch as a laptop, notebook, or tablet. The peripheral interface 236 maybe used to communicate with peripherals such as a mouse, keyboard,webcam, microphone, printer, headphones, speaker, data storage device,or game controller. The sensor interface 238 may be used to communicatewith a sensor such as a thermometer, hygrometer, or other device thatsenses environmental conditions.

The memory 250 may include one or more buffers 252 to store datareceived from the network interface 220 and/or device interface 230, andto store data (including, for example text data (e.g., ASCII text),image data (e.g., bitmap data), and/or video data) generated by and/orreceived from the processor 240. For example, in one embodiment, atleast one buffer 252 may be an overlay RAM configured to store OSD dataincluding low-resolution text images. The memory 250 may also include anon-transitory computer-readable medium (e.g., one or more nonvolatilememory elements, such as EPROM, EEPROM, Flash memory, a hard drive, andso on) that may store at least the following software (SW) modules:

-   -   a mode (or configuration) selection SW module 254 to selectively        switch an operation of the docking system 200 between a first        mode, second mode, and third mode, based on the detection of a        connection between the docking system 200 and (i) a computing        device via the computing device interface 234, and/or (ii) a        network via the network interface 220;    -   a device communication SW module 256 to communicate with and/or        facilitate the provision of power to the device interface 230;        and    -   a network communication SW module 258 to communicate with the        network interface 220.

Each SW module includes instructions that, when executed by theprocessor 240, cause the docking system 200 to perform the correspondingfunctions.

For example, in some embodiments, the processor 240 may execute the modeselection SW module 254 to select the first mode upon detecting that acomputing device is docked to the docking system 200 via the computingdevice interface 234. In executing the mode selection SW module 254 tooperate in the first mode, the processor 240 may obtain data from thecomputing device interface 234 and output the data to the displayinterface 232. In some embodiments, in executing the mode selection SWmodule 254 to operate in the first mode, the processor 240 may obtaindata from the computing device interface 234 and output some or all ofthe data to one or more display interfaces 232, one or more peripheralinterfaces 236 and/or one or more sensor interfaces 238. Further, insome embodiments, in executing the mode selection SW module 254 tooperate in the first mode, the processor 240 may transmit data from oneor more display interfaces 232, one or more peripheral interfaces 236,and/or one or more sensor interfaces 238, to the computing deviceinterface 234.

As another example, in some embodiments, the processor 240 may executethe mode selection SW module 254 to select the second mode upondetecting that the docking system 200 is connected to a network via thenetwork interface 220, but not connected to a computing device via thecomputing device interface 234. In executing the mode selection SWmodule 254 to operate in the second mode, the processor 240 may obtaindata from the network interface 220 and output the data to the displayinterface 232. In some embodiments, in executing the mode selection SWmodule 254 to operate in the second mode, the processor 240 may obtaindata from the network interface 220 and output some or all of the datato one or more display interfaces 232, one or more peripheral interfaces236, and/or one or more sensor interfaces 238. Further, in someembodiments, in executing the mode selection SW module 254 to operate inthe second mode, the processor 240 may transmit data from one or moredisplay interfaces 232, one or more peripheral interfaces 236, and/orone or more sensor interfaces 238, to the network interface 220.

As another example, in some embodiments, the processor 240 may executethe mode selection SW module 254 to select a third mode upon detectingthat the docking system 200 is connected to both (i) a computing devicevia the computing device interface 234, and (ii) a network via thenetwork interface 220. In executing the mode selection SW module 254 tooperate in the third mode, the processor 240 may obtain data from thecomputing device interface 234 and network interface 220 and outputthese data to the display interface 232. In some embodiments, inexecuting the mode selection SW module 254 to operate in the third mode,the processor 240 may obtain data from the computing device interface234 and network interface 220, and output some or all of these data toone or more display interfaces 232, one or more peripheral interfaces236, and/or one or more sensor interfaces 238. Further, in someembodiments, in executing the mode selection SW module 254 to operate inthe third mode, the processor 240 may transmit data from one or moredisplay interfaces 232, one or more peripheral interfaces 236, and/orone or more sensor interfaces 238, to the computing device interface 234and/or network interface 220. Additionally, in some embodiments, inexecuting the mode selection SW module 254 to operate in the third mode,the processor 240 may transmit data between the network interface 220and the computing device interface 234.

FIG. 3 shows an illustrative flowchart depicting an example method 300performed by a docking station, in accordance with some embodiments. Themethod 300 may be performed by the docking station 102 of FIGS. 1A-1C orthe docking system 200 of FIG. 2 .

As an illustrative example, the method 300 may be performed by thedocking station 102 of FIGS. 1A-1C, which is operable in a plurality ofmodes (e.g., configurations). The method 300 may include obtaining firstdata via a first interface of the docking station 102 and second datavia a second interface of the docking station 102, responsive tooperating in a first mode of the plurality of modes (310). It is notedthat this first mode of the plurality of modes corresponds to the thirdmode depicted in FIG. 1C. The first interface may be configured tocouple the docking station 102 to a computing device, and the secondinterface may be configured to communicate with a network.

The method 300 may also include obtaining third data via the secondinterface of the docking station 102, in lieu of (or as an alternativeto) the first interface, responsive to operating in a second mode of theplurality of modes (320).

The method 300 may also include selectively outputting the first dataand the second data, or the third data, to a display based on whetherthe docking station 102 operates in the first mode or the second mode(330).

FIG. 4A shows an example application 400A of a docking station 402operating in a second mode, in accordance with some embodiments. Thedocking station 402 may be an embodiment of the docking station 102 ofFIGS. 1A-1C or the docking system 200 of FIG. 2 . As shown in FIG. 4A,the application 400A involves a network 416 and the station 460A, whichincludes the docking station 402 and a monitor 410. The network 416 andmonitor 410 may be embodiments of the network 116 and display device110, respectively, of FIG. 1B.

As an illustrative example, Company X may have an office that includesmultiple stations, such as the station 460A, which provides a desktopcomputing environment for Company X's employees to use. In someembodiments, the station 460A may include additional monitors 410 and/orone or more peripherals. Company X's employees may have a flexible workschedule that allows them to work at the office two days per week andwork from home three days per week. Prior to going to the office, eachof Company X's employees may use a hoteling application to reserve aparticular station at the office for use during one or more periods oftime.

One Monday evening, from home, Company's X's employee, Employee Y, mayuse their company-issued laptop to access the hoteling application innetwork 416. Employee Y may use the hoteling application to reserve thestation 460A for the next two days (Tuesday and Wednesday), whenEmployee Y plans to work at the office. In some embodiments, thehoteling application may notify Company X's cleaning team of thereservation, and the cleaning team may subsequently clean the station460A.

Further, in some embodiments, the docking station 402 may obtain data414 from the hoteling application in the network 416 via a networkinterface 406. The data 414 may include information associated theEmployee Y's reservation such as the employee's name, the particularstation reserved, the date and time of the reservation, and/or thestatus of the reservation (e.g., whether the reservation is active orcanceled). The docking station 402 may then output some or all of data414 to the monitor 410 for display. For example, as shown in FIG. 4A,the monitor 410 may display the message, “This station is reserved,” tonotify individuals (other than Employee Y) who walk by the station 460Aearly Tuesday morning, for example, that the station 460A is reservedand not available for use. In some embodiments, the message displayedmay further communicate to such individuals that they should notapproach and/or touch the station 460A in order to maintain thecleanliness of the station 460A. Further, in some embodiments, themessage may continue to be displayed until Employee Y arrives at theoffice and couples their company-issued laptop with the station 460A.The message may also be displayed when Employee Y steps away from thestation 460A during the reserved time period(s).

Accordingly, the docking station 402 provides a number of advantages.Because the docking station 402 communicates with the network 416, thedocking station 402 supports the hoteling application by obtaining andoutputting the message concerning the reservation to the monitor 410.Moreover, because the docking station 402 outputs the message concerningthe reservation to the monitor 410 for display, the docking station 402communicates information that may help keep station 460A clean and safefor Employee Y to use, which is especially important, for example,during a pandemic. Further, while some existing hoteling solutionsrequire non-standard, special-purpose hardware, the docking station 402obviates the need for such hardware.

While not shown in FIG. 4A, in some embodiments, the docking station 402may include one or more LEDs and/or displays configured to communicateinformation associated with the docking station 402. For example, theinformation may relate to a reservation of the station 460A, theoperational health of (e.g., diagnostic information associated with) thedocking station 402, or information obtained from sensors or peripheralscoupled to the docking station 402. Moreover, in some embodiments, whenthe station 460A is available for a reservation (e.g., not in use or outof service), the docking station 402 may output a message to the monitor410 for display, indicating that the station 460A is available forreservation.

FIG. 4B shows an example application 400B of the docking station 402operating in the second mode, in accordance with some embodiments. Asshown in FIG. 4B, the application 400B involves an IT professional 415,the network 416, and a station 460B, which includes the docking station402, the monitor 410, a keyboard 411, and a mouse 413. The station 460Bmay be an embodiment of the station 460A of FIG. 4A.

Continuing with the example of FIG. 4A, Monday evening, after Employee Yreserves the station 460A of FIG. 4A (or station 460B of FIG. 4B), theIT professional 415 (who works for Company X) may communicate, via thenetwork 416, with docking station 402 to determine the operationalhealth of (i) the docking station 402 and/or (ii) one or more devicescoupled to the docking station 402. In some embodiments, the dockingstation 402 may communicate with the keyboard 411, mouse 413, and/ormonitor 410 to determine the operational health of one or more of thesedevices. The docking station 402 may determine, for example, that eachof the keyboard 411, mouse 413, and monitor 410 is powered on, and thatthe mouse 413 needs a firmware update. The docking station maysubsequently communicate this determination to the IT professional 415via the network 416. In some embodiments, the IT professional 415 maythen facilitate remotely, via the network 416 and docking station 402,the transfer and installation of the firmware update to the mouse 413.Accordingly, when the docking station 402 operates in the second mode,the docking station 402 may support remote monitoring and maintenance ofthe docking station 402 and devices coupled to the docking station 402.

While not shown in FIG. 4B, in some embodiments, the docking station 402may be coupled to one or more sensors such as a thermometer and/orhygrometer used to sense environmental conditions near the dockingstation 402. In some embodiments, the docking station 402 may beconfigured to transmit information from these sensors to the ITprofessional 415 via the network 416. Moreover, in some embodiments,when the station 460B is not available for reservation due to, forexample, a technical issue with the docking station 402 or one or moreperipherals coupled to the docking station 402, the docking station 402may output a message to the monitor 410 for display, indicating that thestation 460B is out of service and not available for reservation.

FIG. 4C shows an example application 400C of the docking station 402operating in a third mode, in accordance with some embodiments. As shownin FIG. 4C, the application 400C involves the IT professional 415, thenetwork 416, a laptop 408, and a station 460C, which includes thedocking station 402, and the monitor 410. The station 460C may be anembodiment of the station 460A or 460B in FIGS. 4A and 4B, respectively.The laptop 408 may be an embodiment of the computing device 108 in FIGS.1A and 1C. In some embodiments, the station 460C may include additionaldevices, such as a second monitor 410, keyboard, and mouse.

Continuing with the example of FIGS. 4A and 4B, Tuesday morning,Employee Y may arrive at the office and walk to station 460A of FIG. 4A(or station 460C of FIG. 4C), where Employee Y plans to work. While atthe station 460C, Employee Y may dock Employee Y's company-issued laptop408 with the docking station 402 via a docking interface 404. Thedocking station 402 may then obtain data 417 (e.g., text data, imagedata, and/or video data) from the laptop 408 and output the data 417 tothe monitor 410 for display.

While Employee Y works at the station 460C, the IT professional 415 maycommunicate with the docking station 402, via the network 416, todetermine the operational health of the laptop 408. The docking station402 may then communicate with the laptop 408 and determine that thelaptop 408 needs a software update. In some embodiments, the dockingstation 402 may then communicate this determination to the ITprofessional 415. Further, in some embodiments, the docking station 402may obtain, from the IT professional 415, data 418 via the network 416.The data 418 may include information directed to Employee Y concerningthe software update, such as a request for Employee Y to specify a timefor the software update to be installed. The docking station 402 maythen output some or all of data 418, including the request, to themonitor 410 for display in window 421. In some embodiments, the window421 may be overlayed on the data 417 displayed on the monitor 410.Employee Y may then view some or all of data 418, including the request,in window 421.

In some embodiments, Employee Y may respond to the request by, forexample, using the laptop 408 to send a message to the IT professional415 (via the docking station 402 and network 416), indicating thatEmployee Y would like for the software update to be installed on thelaptop 408 later that day at 4 PM. At 4 PM, the IT professional 415 mayfacilitate remotely, via the network 416 and docking station 402, thetransfer and installation of the software update to the laptop 408.Accordingly, when the docking station 402 operates in the third mode,the docking station 402 permits the IT professional 415 to monitorand/or maintain the operational health of Employee Y's laptop 408, andto communicate with Employee Y.

Those of skill in the art will appreciate that information and signalsmay be represented using any of a variety of different technologies andtechniques. For example, data, instructions, commands, information,signals, bits, symbols, and chips that may be referenced throughout theabove description may be represented by voltages, currents,electromagnetic waves, magnetic fields or particles, optical fields orparticles, or any combination thereof.

Further, those of skill in the art will appreciate that the variousillustrative logical blocks, modules, circuits, and algorithm stepsdescribed in connection with the aspects disclosed herein may beimplemented as electronic hardware, computer software, or combinationsof both. To clearly illustrate this interchangeability of hardware andsoftware, various illustrative components, blocks, modules, circuits,and steps have been described above generally in terms of theirfunctionality. Whether such functionality is implemented as hardware orsoftware depends upon the particular application and design constraintsimposed on the overall system. Skilled artisans may implement thedescribed functionality in varying ways for each particular application,but such implementation decisions should not be interpreted as causing adeparture from the scope of the disclosure.

The methods, sequences or algorithms described in connection with theaspects disclosed herein may be embodied directly in hardware, in asoftware module executed by a processor, or in a combination of the two.A software module may reside in RAM memory, flash memory, ROM memory,EPROM memory, EEPROM memory, registers, hard disk, a removable disk, aCD-ROM, or any other form of storage medium known in the art. Anexemplary storage medium is coupled to the processor such that theprocessor can read information from, and write information to, thestorage medium. In the alternative, the storage medium may be integralto the processor.

In the foregoing specification, embodiments have been described withreference to specific examples thereof. It will, however, be evidentthat various modifications and changes may be made thereto withoutdeparting from the broader scope of the disclosure as set forth in theappended claims. The specification and drawings are, accordingly, to beregarded in an illustrative sense rather than a restrictive sense.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method performed by a docking station operablein a plurality of modes, the method comprising: obtaining first data viaa first interface of the docking station and second data via a secondinterface of the docking station, responsive to operating in a firstmode of the plurality of modes, the first interface being configured tocouple the docking station to a computing device and the secondinterface being configured to communicate with a network; obtainingthird data via the second interface of the docking station, in lieu ofthe first interface, responsive to operating in a second mode of theplurality of modes; and selectively outputting the first data and thesecond data, or the third data, to a display based on whether thedocking station operates in the first mode or the second mode.
 2. Themethod of claim 1, wherein at least one of the second data or the thirddata indicates a reservation status associated with the docking station.3. The method of claim 2, wherein at least one of the second data or thethird data includes at least one of text data or bitmap data.
 4. Themethod of claim 1, further comprising: transmitting, via the secondinterface, diagnostic information associated with the docking station.5. The method of claim 1, further comprising: transmitting, via thesecond interface, diagnostic information associated with one or moreperipherals coupled to the docking station.
 6. The method of claim 1,further comprising: transmitting, via the second interface, diagnosticinformation associated with the computing device.
 7. The method of claim1, further comprising: obtaining, via the second interface, at least oneof a firmware or software update.
 8. The method of claim 1, furthercomprising: obtaining fourth data via the first interface, in lieu ofthe second interface, responsive to operating in a third mode of theplurality of modes; and selectively outputting the fourth data to thedisplay based on whether the docking station operates in the third mode.9. A controller for a docking station operable in a plurality of modes,the controller comprising: a processing system; and a memory storinginstructions that, when executed by the processing system, cause thecontroller to: obtain first data via a first interface of the dockingstation and second data via a second interface of the docking station,responsive to operating in a first mode of the plurality of modes, thefirst interface being configured to couple the docking station to acomputing device and the second interface being configured tocommunicate with a network; obtain third data via the second interfaceof the docking station, in lieu of the first interface, responsive tooperating in a second mode of the plurality of modes; and selectivelyoutput the first data and the second data, or the third data, to adisplay based on whether the docking station operates in the first modeor the second mode.
 10. The controller of claim 9, wherein at least oneof the second data or the third data indicates a reservation statusassociated with the docking station.
 11. The controller of claim 10,wherein at least one of the second data or the third data includes atleast one of text data or bitmap data.
 12. The controller of claim 9,wherein execution of the instructions further causes the controller to:transmit, via the second interface, diagnostic information associatedwith the docking station.
 13. The controller of claim 9, whereinexecution of the instructions further causes the controller to:transmit, via the second interface, diagnostic information associatedwith one or more peripherals coupled to the docking station.
 14. Thecontroller of claim 9, wherein execution of the instructions furthercauses the controller to: transmit, via the second interface, diagnosticinformation associated with the computing device.
 15. The controller ofclaim 9, wherein execution of the instructions further causes thecontroller to: obtain, via the second interface, at least one of afirmware or software update.
 16. The controller of claim 9, whereinexecution of the instructions further causes the controller to: obtainfourth data via the first interface, in lieu of the second interface,responsive to operating in a third mode of the plurality of modes; andselectively output the fourth data to the display based on whether thedocking station operates in the third mode.
 17. A system comprising: adisplay; and a docking station coupled to the display and operable in aplurality of modes, the docking station being configured to: obtainfirst data via a first interface of the docking station and second datavia a second interface of the docking station, responsive to operatingin a first mode of the plurality of modes, the first interface beingconfigured to couple the docking station to a computing device and thesecond interface being configured to communicate with a network; obtainthird data via the second interface of the docking station, in lieu ofthe first interface, responsive to operating in a second mode of theplurality of modes; and selectively output the first data and the seconddata, or the third data, to the display based on whether the dockingstation operates in the first mode or the second mode.
 18. The system ofclaim 17, wherein at least one of the second data or the third dataindicates a reservation status associated with the docking station. 19.The system of claim 18, wherein at least one of the second data or thethird data includes at least one of text data or bitmap data.
 20. Thesystem of claim 17, wherein the docking station is further configuredto: transmit, via the second interface, diagnostic informationassociated with the docking station.